Nipple Drinkers

[matt77]

So recently I decided to buy nipple drinkers for my bunnies, to save time and ensure they never run out of water. This is the set I bought:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/20-Sets-Automati ... 2624wt_906

Problem is I can't get them to work! I setup everything and one works well and the other two don't, so I swapped ends, added a vent etc. They just seem really fussy and I get air caught in the lines etc.

Can someone PLEASE explain what I'm doing wrong? I thought this install would be straightforward but I guess I was wrong. I can't find any sort of install instructions online for this type of drinker.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Matt

 

[andyva]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think you have to have a pressurized system to run more than one nipple. Not house pressure, neccesarily, but more like a fountain pump or something recirculating. There are some setups in the archives somewhere.

 

[Nivyn]

You do need a small amount of water pressure on them. 3-10 PSI is what I have seen on them, although it really depends on the internal spring in the nipple... You do not want the pressure to be so high that it sprays out, as this will stop the rabbits from drinking. You do not normally need something recirculating. although I would highly recommend an end of the line clean-out valve so you can dump the backwash every so often (once a week).

Link to a reg: http://www.bassequipment.com/Waterers/Pressure+Regulator,+Float+Valve/default.aspx

 

[mattdv]

Haha. Just bought the same ones this morning. Keep us updated with your errors and success's.
Matt

 

[Tegan]

I run 4 of those off a 5 gallon bucket. No real issues with them but I did have to loosen one up with a hex key (have you tried that?), and add a vent right next to the bucket.